Fifth Episcopal District, CME Church Newsletter
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton
Presiding Bishop
 October 2013

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

 

  

During the past week, we have watched with awe of the ineffectiveness of Congress that has literally shutdown the government of the United States.  How is that possible we wonder? I think first and foremost, it is a reminder of the limitations of our human institutions.  

  

All too often we become dependent on the structures and systems that we have created - even the institutional church!  When those organizations and institutions fail us, we are often disappointed, angry, upset, and often our sense of peace and security is disrupted.

  

The scripture from Isaiah 9:6 reminds us where we should put our trust:  "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 
 
When we are tempted to rely on government, the institutional church, or any other man-made system for our peace of mind, for our security, and for all the things we need, we forget that we have a greater source.  We have a source of help that never shuts down!  God has given us a wonderful gift that can provide a peace that passes our understanding!"  

  

No, I don't understand why our elected officials cannot reach an agreement and keep the government running!  But I have peace because the Lord is still on the job on my behalf!

    
 

"Faith 

and Fitness"

 

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.

 

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. NBCAM recognizes that, although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. Today, we remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health.  (Reprinted from www.nbcam.org).

 

Things You Can Do

 

 1.  Encourage all the women in your life and church to have an annual mammogram.  Assist them in finding a location to get this important test.

 

2.  Celebrate "Worship in Pink" this month by dedicating one of your worship services to breast cancer.

 

  CME Church Launches New Health Insurance Program

 

Pastors and employees who work at least 20 hours per week for the CME Church can now purchase major medical or retiree medical insurance from the new Connectional CME Church Program.  Enrollment is NOW- Don't delay in getting this benefit. Click here to get instructions on how to sign up!

  

 

  

Save the DATE !!

SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 10th is 

I DECIDE 
TO STOP DIABETES DAY! 

Click here for resources and information! 

 

 

THE ACADEMY FOR PASTORAL THEOLOGY BEGINS FALL SEMESTER

 

The APT has started its fall term with over 30 students.  This fall's courses include:

 

September

Theology and the Prophets 

October

Social Justice and Community Ministry

   

November

Effective Evangelism 

  

For more information or to enroll, call 205-929-1153.

 

 CHANGES IN PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS

 

Rev. W. Clinton Haynes, Supply, Murray Temple CME Church (Anniston District)

 

Rev. Phil Ertha

Buxton Chapel CME Church (Mobile District)

 

Rev. Virgie McNair

Temple Gate CME Church

(Mobile District)

 

Rev. J. C. Bernard

Shady Grove CME Church

(MPCO District)

 

Rev. Ricky Melson will fill in for Rev. Deborah Pace at Lane Chapel, Waldo, AL until she is able to return to the pulpit.

Join Our Mailing List      

You Are Invited....

Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 7 pm

Miles College Special Chapel Service

Rev. Steven Hoyt, Preacher 

 

Thursday, October 17, 1013 at 11:30 am

Miles College Campus

Dedication of the three new buildings 

Welcome and Admissions Center

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton Residence Hall

Dr. George T. French, Jr. Student Activity Center

 

Guest Speaker:

The Honorable Governor Robert Bentley

 

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

OCTOBER IS 

CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH!  Click here for more information!

 

Saturday, October 12, 2013 

 

9 am - 1 pm  Breast Cancer Workshop, Taylor Chapel CME Church, 910 Dunlap Circle, Pritchard, AL

 

9 - 1 pm      North Central Alabama Region Christian Education Workshop and Missionary Planning Meeting, Powers Chapel CME Church, 20231 County Road 21, Moundville, AL

 

9 am       Florida Region Lay Workshop, Carter Tabernacle CME Church, Orlando, FL

 

9am       Florida Region Missionary Planning Meeting, Mt. Olive CME Church, Orlando, FL

 

10:30 am     Birmingham Region Missionary Planning Meeting and Training Session, Metropolitan CME Church, 1600 Avenue K, Birmingham, AL

 

6:00 pm     Black and White Banquet, Trinity CME Church, 3013 Fred Shuttleworth Dr, Birmingham, AL

 

Sunday, October 13, 2013

 

3:00 pm      Tuscaloosa District Connectional Lay Service, Miles Chapel CME Church, 419 Third Ave, SW, Reform, AL

 

4:00 pm    Annual Gospel Choir Anniversary Concert, Southside CME Church, 713 MLK Jr, Dr, SW, Birmingham, AL

 

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Bread for the World Sunday, visit www.bread.org

 

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Southeast Alabama Christian Education Workshop, Hopewell CME Church, Monroeville, AL

 

 

*

FALL ACCOUNTING MEETING 

REGISTRATION AND SCHEDULE

IS AVAILABLE 

ON OUR WEBSITE

 www.cmefifthdistrict.org

 

Sat, November 17th Florida Region Fall Meeting

Sat, December 7th Alabama Regions Fall Meeting

  *

OCTOBER IS 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 
AWARENESS MONTH

 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  When a family member is abused, it can have a long-term damaging affect on the victim and leave a mark on family, friends and the community at large. Our society must work to prevent domestic violence and help create a loving and stable environment for our families.  Any violence taking place within a family or intimate relationship is domestic violence.  It includes abuse of spouses, girlfriends and boyfriends, children, and elderly people.  Domestic violence cuts across all socio-economic, ethnic, racial, religious and age groups.  If you would like additional information on domestic violence, please contact the safe place and rape crisis center in your community or the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at303-839-1852; email: mainoffice@ncadv.org.

 

Click below to get reprintable resources
 to share with your congregation:

What Every Congregation Needs to Know!

Domestic Violence Fact Sheet 

 

flowers_thankyou7.jpg  

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE 2013 CME Unity Summit and my installation as Chair of the College of Bishops. I am appreciative for your presence and your gifts!   From Bishop Teresa Snorton 

 

Pastoral Concerns

 

Bereavement

 

Rev. Keith Ellison, pastor of Phillips CME Church, Huntsville, AL lost his father, Rev. Dr. Henry Delaney of Savannah, GA

 

Rev. DenTise Copeland, first lady of Porter St. Paul CME Church, Northport, AL, lost her brother in Sarasota, FL

 

Rev. Conway Spears, pastor of St. James CME Church, Cordova, AL, lost his brother Stuart, who was a member of St. John AME Church in Birmingham, AL.

 

Prayers Needed 
 
Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. remains hospitalized in Houston after becoming severely ill at the Unity Summit.  Pray for him and Mrs. Ocie Hoyt!
 
Rev. Deborah Pace, pastor of Lane Chapel, Waldo, AL, is in the hospital after having a stroke.
 
Rev. Gregory Woods, Huntsville District, is in rehab after having additional surgery.
 
Rev. James Allen, pastor of Peaceful Valley, Hobe Sound, FL, continues to recuperate from heart surgery.
 
Rev. Joe Johnson, pastor of Trinity, Tampa, has completed 2 years of aftercare for cancer!  We rejoice with him!
 
Mrs. Willa Nesbitt, wife of retired pastor, Frank Nesbitt, had a stroke.
 
Mrs. Julia Carter, immediate past president of North Central Alabama Missionary Council, continues to deal with health challenges.
 

 

 

GENERAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS

 

In accordance with Section 206 of the CME Book of Discipline, the College of Bishops has appointed the Committee on Resolutions for the 2014 General Conference.

 

All resolutions, memorials, and other materials contemplated for presentation the 2014 General Conference shall be sent to the Fifth District Committee member on or before January 31, 2014. 

 

Mr. James Blackman

2305 Bullen St

Mobile, AL36617

Jblackman05@gmail.com

 

1) Resolutions should be submitted in writing.

a) Hard copies given to or mailed to the Episcopal District Representative should be typed in   12 point font, only on one side of the paper.  Multiple pages should be stapled together.

b) Resolutions submitted via email should be sent as an attachment in Word document format.

c) The submitter of the resolution must type his/her name, address, telephone, email and local church information on each page of the resolution.

d) Resolutions submitted on behalf of groups and organizations should clearly state this information and include one name as the point of contact.

2) All resolutions requiring changes in the wording and/or legal meanings of the provisions in the Discipline shall state the paragraph, section, page and language to be changed and the language to be substituted.

3) Resolutions shall not contain more than three preamble paragraphs.

4) Resolutions not meeting the above requirements will be returned for corrections.  Corrected resolutions must be returned in time to meet the January 31, 2014 deadline.

  

  

Fifth District logo  

Contact Us:

 

Mailing Address:

P. O. Box 13383

Birmingham, AL 35202

 

Office Location:

4901 Lloyd Nolan Parkway

Fairfield, AL 35164

PLEASE DO NOT SEND MAIL TO THIS ADDRESS, USE THE POST OFFICE BOX ABOVE!!!

 

Website:     

www.cmefifthdistrict.org

  

Facebook:  

5th Episcopal District of Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME)

 

Email: 

cmec35203@yahoo.com

   

Twitter: 

@cme5th

 

Office Phone:

205-929-1145

 

CME Church Website:
                           www.thecmechurch.org